LGD: After Vacation, Back to Work vs. Blue Jackets

The Leafs traveled to Columbus to face the Blue Jackets in the return from the Christmas break. Most of the rest of the NHL was back yesterday, but the schedulers were kind enough to give the Leafs an extra break.

The Jackets and Leafs each sit in 2nd in their division, sitting behind the Capitals and Lightning respectively. Columbus is in slightly better form than Toronto, going 7-2-1 in their last 10 games, while the Leafs are 6-2-2.

For the season, the Maple Leafs are 25-10-2 and the Blue Jackets are 22-12-3. Within this season, the Leafs and Jackets have played each other twice, each winning 4-2 in their home rink.

Leafs Lines

After the break, Igor Ozhiganov should be ready to return from his illness, however, Zach Hyman remains out with his injury. Trevor Moore is back up on emergency re-call to fill his place.

Pre-Game Preview

The Blue Jackets’ first powerplay unit has been pretty good, but doesn’t come close to rivaling the efficiency of the Leafs’ first unit. The big advantage that Columbus has is their goaltender and top D pairing, which is among the best in the league.

Other than the combination of Jones, Werenski, and Bobrovsky backstopping them, the Maple Leafs seem to have the advantage at every corner of the roster. With this mostly healthy group, they are certainly a force to be reckoned with.

This doesn’t always translate to a win, though, and the Blue Jackets themselves are no slouches, so this should still be a well-fought contest.

My three keys to the game:

Draw penalties

The Leafs’ best weapon is that first powerplay unit, so get it going

Take lots of shots

Bobrovsky is the best cop on the force, so the more chances you can get the better